Apparatus for dispensing high consistency fluids and semisolids



April 19, 1966 W. L. GRIFFITH 3,246,810 APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING HIGH CONSISTENCY FLUIDS AND SEMISOLIDS Filed July 2, 1964 I19 3 T -i g) 613 2B United States Patent 3,246,810 APPARATUS FORDISPENSING HIGH CONSIST- ENCY FLUIDS AND SEMISOLIDS Walter Leonard Griflith, 77 Lenox St., Rochester, N.Y. Filed July 2, 1964, Ser. No. 379,866 3 Claims. (Cl. 222485) This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for applying high consistency fluids and semisolids on bakery goods or other products or articles and is particularly concerned with such an apparatus which has a novel valve structure which not only operates to deposit such fluids and semisolids uniformly on the desired objects, but can be adjusted to compensate for variations in the characteristics of the fluids and semisolids being used due to temperature and/or pressure changes. Further, it can be adjusted to compensate for a wide range of different viscosities and densities of various high consistency fluids and semisolids.

The invention as disclosed herein in one of its embodiments comprises an apparatus using a moving conveyor belt or bed upon which a succession of articles is continuously advanced and upon which a selected high consistency fluid or semisolid is to be deposited. The articles. pass beneath a novelly constructed dispensing valve which is operable to dispense such fluids and semi solids in a uniform manner and rate. In this disclosure bread and butter are the selected means for explaining the valve operation, with the bread being of a square sandwich variety passing continuously beneath the valve. Butter, under pressure, is forced into the valve and emerges in equal volume from all apertures along the bottom of the valve housing.

. The valve structure of this invention comprises a cylindrical housing containinga valve shell and a valve core. The valve core is provided with an inlet orifice and outlet apertures, the outlet apertures being of unique design and communicating with an elongated slot type aperture in the valve shell. The butter passes through these apertures into a chamber between the valve shell and the valve housing. The chamber fills with butter under equal pressure and discharges from discharge aperture means in the bottom of the valve housing. 7 I

It has been observed that if the apertures along a tube are of equal area and butter is forced into the tube, that the greatest volume of butter emerges from the first aperture and decreases in volume as the distance along the tube increases.

One of the primary objects of this invention is to provide a valve arrangement which effectively eliminates this phenomenon. Another primary object is to provide .a valve arrangement which'effectively compensates for changes in viscosity, pressure and temperature.

These primary objects were accomplished in the present invention by the discovery that, while working with the above and similar equipment, if butter is forced into a tube into which round apertures have been drilled and in a precise (see FIG. III) relationship in accordance with the temperature and density of the butter, and in accordance with the amount of pressure to be used, it is possible to have the butter emerge in equal volume from all apertures along the tube.

It was discovered further, that the specific set of holes or apertures drilled to accomplish the above, became ineffective when the temperature and/or the pressure applied changed.

In order to overcome this phenomenon and make it possible to use a variety of high consistency fluids and semisolids with different vi-scosities and densities at diiferent temperatures and at varying pressures with a minimum of effort, a rotatable valve core with circumferential apertures was developed.

In the present disclosure the valve core structure has three elongated apertures that are spaced along the tube in accordance with predetermined knowledge of width of area to be covered. Also known are: the expected temperature range that the substance used will be subjected to; the viscosity or density of the substance; and the amount of pressure to be used.

In a horizontal position with the apertures located in the visible half of the tube, the valve core in this disclosure is constructed thusly: The valve core comprises hollow tubing or rolled sheet metal, as below-described in reference to FIG. III, one end of which is open to provide an inlet orifice for connection to a supply of fluid, and the other end of which is sealed. Intermediate its ends the core is provided with a plurality of axially spaced apertures, e.g. three. The first aperture nearest the supply source, or the inlet end of the valve core, is wedge shaped tapering to closure at the top and opening to a Width at the bottom at which it has been determined will give the necessary volume. The second aperture uses the widest width of the first aperture along its entire length. The third aperture has the same width at the bottom as the other two apertures and is also wedge shaped having its widest opening at the top. Top and bottom dimensions are interchangeable.

The valve core is inserted in the valve shell and is in substantial sealing engagement. The valve shell has an elongated longitudinal slot-type aperture constructed along the tube and is of predetermined width to render the required volume. The valve core is rotated so that its apertures are in communicating alignment with the slot-type aperture in the valve shell. One can readily see that there are numerous adjustments which can compensate for variations in temperature, pressure, and/or viscosity and density. The valve shell and the valve core are inserted into the housing. The aforementioned chamber fills and the substance used passes through discharge aperture means in the valve housing under equal pressure and with equal volume along the length of the housing.

, The present valve structure has associated with it a supply source and a pressure source to deliver a continuous supply of the substance selected and has a shut-off valve in the supply line to interrupt the supply.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus embodying the novel structural and functional characteristics as outlined above.

Another object is to provide a novelly constructed valve. 7

Another object of this invention is to provide a valve structure operable to compensate for changes in temperature, pressure, and/or viscosity and density of the substance being used.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, this invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being fully understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of my invention, I have illustrated in the accompanying drawings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, its mode of construction, assembly and operation, and its advantages, should be readily understood.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the draw- 1ngs:

FIG. I is a horizontal sectional view of the valve structure.

FIG. II is a bottom view cut-away showing the complete dispensing assembly.

FIG. III is a plan view of a substitute valve core prior to being rolled into a tube. It is used when temperature, pressure used and viscosity or density are known and controlled.

As has been indicated, this apparatus in its preferred embodiment is for dispensing and applying butter on bread. It is the best means for readily demonstrating the problems involved when mechanical devices are employed to apply one substance to another and when changes occur in temperature, pressure being used, and/ or viscosity or density. In order to accomplish this a valve structure as indicated in FIG. II is mounted transversely of an endless conveyor and is suitably spaced above to permit passage of the bread.

The valve structure FIG. I includes a hollow valve core 1, which is closed at one end (right end in FIG. I) and open at its opposite end, and a valve shell 2 into which the valve core 1 is inserted and is rotatable by a valve knob 3 which is secured to the closed end of the valve' core 1. An annular O ring holder 4 centers the valve shell 2 in the end of the tubular valve housing 5. The O ring holder 4 slips over the valve core 1 and is secured adjacent the closed end thereof by a pin 6. The O ring 7 seals the chamber 8 between the valve shell 2 and the housing 5. Apertures or slots 9, 10, and 11 in the valve core 1 are constructed to regulate the produce flow which enters through the inlet orifice or open end (left end in FIG. I) of the valve core 1.

The total open area of the apertures in the variable core is determined by the viscosity test with viscous or heavy consistency fluids and by the penetration test with semisolids. The United States Bureau of Standards in its measurements with semisolids states that the material to be tested should be at 77 F., that a standard blunt needle be loaded with 100 grams and that the load be applied for seconds. The unit of penetration is A mil., about inch. With more dense semisolids a heavier load is used. Determination of viscosity is made with a standard instrument known as a Furol Viscosimeter and results are expressed as Furol Viscosity. The test is made at 77 F. by recording the time for 60 cubic centimeters of the product to flow through a tube of standard dirnensions into a measuring flask. The longer the time required the higher the viscosity of the product and the closer its approach to the consistency of a semisolid. For those products whose viscosities at 77 F. are higher than can be accurately measured by the viscosimeter and not dense enough to use the penetration test, it is necessary to make the test at an elevated temperature. The temperatures most commonly used are 77 F., 122 F., 140 F., and 180 F.

The first aperture 9 nearest the supply source, or open, left end of core 1, is wider at one end thereof than at its other end, and is restricted in area compared to the openings 10 and 11 further from the source. The next aperture 10 is of the same Width along its entire length, using the widest point of the first aperture 9 as its width. The next aperture 11 increases in width from one end thereof toward the other, and its area is greater than either of the other two slots or apertures 9 and 10, permitting the easiest egress. This variable valve 1 when placed in the valve shell 2 is then rotated so as to bring the apertures 9, 1t), and 11 in communicative alignment with the elongated, axially-extending slot or aperture 12 in the valve shell 2 which is constructed longitudinally and is of suificient length and width to supply the area to be covered. The adjustment knob 3 is rotated causing the relationship of the portions 13, 14, and 15 of the slots 9, 10 and 11, respectively, which register with the slot 12, to change, thus making it possible to compensate for changes in the temperature of the substance being used, and hence its viscosity or density, pressure being used, and different substances with varying densities and viscosities. As the fluid or semisolid emerges from the portions 13, 14, and 15 in valve core 1 and through the elongated slot 12 in the valve shell 2, it fills the chamber 8 between the shell 2 and housing 5 and discharges through apertures 17 in the valve housing 5. The flange 18 on housing 5 retains a nut (not illustrated) that attaches the left or open end of the core 1, and the surrounding ends of the shell 2 and housing 5, in sealing engagement with 'a supply line (not illustrated) for forcing a product under pressure into the valve core.

FIGURE III shows an alternate valve core that, when rolled, can be used similar to valve core 1 in FIG. I with some changes, when temperature, pressure used, and viscosity and density are known and controlled. The first aperture 19 is adapted to be placed nearest the supply source and the apertures 20, 21, and 22 following are in a precise relationship as to size and distance apart depending upon the substance being used.

Although the present disclosure and description are specifically concerned with the application of butter on bread, it should be evident that said apparatus and valve structure may be used to deposit many high consistency fluids and semisolids on various products in a uniform manner. In addition, by adding additional apertures 17 on either side of housing 5, and mounting the valves severally in an upright manner, it would be possible to butter a loaf of bread at a time. If the apertures 17 are staggered from side to side in the housing 5, it is possible to keep the buttered slices from adhering to each other when the loaf is wrapped. Two slices of bread pass together between two valves and are buttered thus using' one-half the number of valves as for the number of slices buttered. A continuous conveyor takes the loaf to the wrapping machine.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A valve structure comprising a hollow valve housing having a cylindrical internal surface, a hollow valve having an inlet end adapted to be connected to a supply of fluid substance under pressure, and a sealed end within said housing, said valve creating a sealed chamber between said housing and said valve, said valve shell being equidistant from said internal surface of said housing, and having outlet apertures communicating between the interior and exterior thereof and located along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, the aperture closest to said inlet end being of a predetermined area in size, and each succeeding aperture being of a predetermined distance from the first-named aperture and from one another, and being of a progressively larger area in accordance with the increased distance from the first-named aperture, said apertures being operative to admit said substance into said chamber between said valve and said housing, and said housing having therein discharge apertures communicating between the interior and exterior of the housing and extending along a line parallel to its longitudinal axis, said discharge apertures being out of alignment with said outlet apertures.

2. A valve structure comprising a hollow valve housing having a cylindrical internal surface, ,a hollow valve shell sealed at one end within said housing and having an inlet at its opposite end, which is adapted to be connected to a source of fluid substance under pressure, said valve shell creating a sealed chamber between said housing and valve shell, and being equidistant from said internal surface of housing, a hollow valve core movably mounted within said valve shell in substantial sealing engagement with the internal surface of said shell, and being sealed at one end, and having at its opposite end an inlet orifice which communicates with the inlet in said shell, said valve core having an adjusting knob at its sealed end and having two outlet apertures communicating between the interior and exterior thereof, said apertures being variable width elongated apertures located transversely of the longitudinal axis of said housing and extending circumferentially between two imaginary lines that are parallel to said axis and which register with opposite ends, respectively, of each of said apertures, the aperture nearest said inlet orifice being wedge shaped, and with the other aperture being located at a predetermined distance from the first-named aperture and farther from said inlet orifice and having at one end a width that is equal to the widest width of said first named aperture and continuing its angular divergence at the same angle as said first aperture and terminating at the imaginary line that registers with the narrowest end of said firstnamed aperture, thus having the narrowest part of said first named aperture and the widest part of said other aperture terminating at the :same one of said lines, said apertures having parallel center lines running transverse of said longitudinal axis, said valve core being rotatably adjustable by said knob in said shell with portions of said apertures being in communicative alignment with an elongated outlet slot communicating between the interior and exterior of the valve shell and extending along a line parallel with said longitudinal axis, said elongated slot being adapted to admit said substance into said chamber between said valve shell and valve housing, and said housing having .therein a plurality of discharge apertures communicating between the interior and exterior of the housing and being out of alignment with said slot in said valve shell.

3. A valve structure comprising a hollow valve housing having a cylindrical internal surface, a hollow valve shell sealed at one end within said housing and having an inlet at its opposite end which is adapted to be connected to a supply of fluid substance under pressure, said valve shell creating a sealed chamber between said housing and valve shell, said valve shell being equidistant from said internal surface of housing, a hollow valve core within said valve shell and in substantial sealing engagement with the internal surface of said shell, said valve core having an inlet orifice for communication with said inlet in said shell, and being sealed at its opposite end, and having an adjusting knob secured to its sealed end, and having a plurality of outlet apertures communicating between the interior and exterior thereof, two of said apertures being variable width elongated apertures and another thereof being a constant width elongated aperture, each of said apertures extending circumferentially transversely of the longitudinal axis of said housing between two imaginary lines that are parallel to said axis, and said other aperture lying between and axially spaced from said two apertures, said other aperture having a width equal to the widest part of the one of said two apertures, which is closest to said orifice, and the other of said two apertures having at one end a width that is equal to the width of said other aperture and continuing its angular divergence at the same angle as said one of said two apertures and terminating at its opposite end at one of said imaginary lines, so that the narrowest part and the widest part of said one and said other of said two apertures, respectively, terminate at the other of said lines, said apertures having parallel center lines running transverse to said longitudinal axis, said valve core being rotatably adjustable with portions of its aperture being in communicative alignment with an elongated slot communicating between the interior and exterior of the valve shell and extending along a line parallel with said longitudinal axis, said slot permitting said substance to pass into said chamber between said valve shell and valve housing, and said housing having a discharge aperture therein communicating between the interior and exterior of the housing, said discharge aperture being out of alignment with said slot in said valve shell.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1918 Hawkins 251-208 X 6/1951 Stevens 222485 X 3/1958 Guckel 222-486 X 

1. A VALVE STRUCTURE COMPRISING A HOLLOW VALVE HOUSING HAVING A CYLINDRICAL INTERNAL SURFACE, A HOLLOW VALVE HAVING AN INLET END ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO A SUPPLY OF FLUID SUBSTANCE UNDER PRESSURE, AND A SEALED END WITHIN SAID HOUSING, SAID VALVE CREATING A SEALED CHAMBER BETWEEN SAID HOUSING AND SAID VALVE, SAID VALVE SHELL BEING EQUIDISTANT FROM SAID INTERNAL SURFACE OF SAID HOUSING, AND HAVING OUTLET APERTURES COMMUNICATING BETWEEN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR THEREOF AND LOCATED ALONG A LINE PARALLEL TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS THEREOF, THE APERTURE CLOSEST TO SAID INLET END BEING OF A PREDETERMINED AREA IN SIZE, AND EACH SUCCEEDING APERTURE BEING OF A PREDETERMINED DISTANCE FROM THE FIRST-NAMED APERTURE AND FROM ONE ANOTHER, AND BEING OF A PROGRESSIVELY LARGER AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INCREASED DISTANCE FROM THE FIRST-NAMED APERTURE, SAID APERTURES BEING OPERATIVE TO ADMIT SAID SUBSTANCE INTO SAID CHAMBER BETWEEN SAID VALVE AND SAID HOUSING, AND SAID HOUSING HAVING THEREIN DISCHARGE APERTURES COMMUNICATING BETWEEN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE HOUSING AND EXTENDING ALONG A LINE PARALLEL TO ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS, SAID DISCHARGE APERTURES BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT WITH SAID OUTLET APERTURES. 